Research Scope and Delimitations Quiz

Study Notes

Scope defines what the study will cover, its areas of focus and the extent of investigation
- Key elements:
  - Issues: specific themes or topics the study will address
  - Respondents: specific group or population being studied
  - Time Frame: indicates the period the study focuses on (e.g., specific years or events)
  - Type of Data:
    - Qualitative: Non-numerical data (e.g., interviews, observations)
    - Quantitative: Numerical data (e.g., surveys, statistics)
Delimitations establishes boundaries to manage the study's focus, clarifies specific choices made by the researcher
- Examples of delimiting factors:
  - Geographic Location: specific setting or place where the study is conducted
  - Participant Selection: criteria for who is included or excluded
  - Data Sources: selection of specific types of documents, articles, or data
- Helps avoid over-generalizing results by setting realistic limits
Limitations are factors that could impact the accuracy or validity of the study but are beyond the researcher’s control
- Common limitations:
  - Data Accessibility: not all required data might be available
  - Sampling Issues: difficulty in obtaining a truly representative sample
  - Methodological Constraints: limited by specific statistical or analytical methods

A hypothesis is a tentative conclusion or answer to a research question, formed at the beginning of an investigation
It is not proven but tested to explore relationships between phenomena and variables.
Purposes of Hypotheses:
- Link Theory and Reality: help evaluate theories based on real-world observations
- Guide Research: determine research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Enhance Knowledge: foster critical thinking and deeper insights
Categories of Hypotheses:
- Directional Hypothesis: specifies not only the existence of a relationship but also its expected direction (e.g., "Increasing sunlight exposure leads to higher levels of vitamin D.")
- Non-Directional Hypothesis: states the existence of a relationship without predicting its direction (e.g., "There exists a relationship between diet and mood.")

A strong hypothesis is:
- Testable: capable of being tested through scientific methods
- Clear: stated in a precise and unambiguous way
- Verifiable: capable of being proved or disproved by evidence
- Simple and Understandable: easy to grasp and comprehend
- Aligned with Existing Knowledge: consistent with established theories and findings

Human-made abstractions based on observable facts and the theorist's creativity
Key Characteristics of Theories:
- Tentative: they can be refined or discarded through research
- Unprovable but represent the best attempt to explain phenomena
Types of Theories:
- Grand Theories (Macro Theories): Explain broad aspects of human experience, like learning theories or behavioral functioning
- Middle-Range Theories: Explains specific aspects of human experience, such as decision-making or stress

Simple Hypothesis: Predicts the relationship between two variables.
Complex Hypothesis: Predicts a more intricate relationship between multiple variables.